It is said that our national identity was forged 100 years ago at the Battle of Vimy Ridge where all four Canadian Divisions fought side-by-side on the heavily defended hill. Their efforts proved victorious; but triumph in war comes with sacrifice and loss—a sentiment embodied by the mournful statue "Canada" found at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The figure's solemn expression of grief is a silent but powerful representation of a nation's remembrance and recognition of lives lost or broken by conflict.
Fittingly, the statue's likeness graces the reverse of the Sacrifice Medal, awarded to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who, like many a brave soul who fought at Vimy, have been wounded by hostile action or have died as a result of their service to their country working to secure peace in their time.
About The Sacrifice Medal:
Approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on April 17, 2008, the Sacrifice Medal is one of the more recent additions to the Canadian Honours System. It provides a lasting form of recognition to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (and those who partner with them) who have been wounded in the line of duty "as a direct result of a hostile action or action intended for a hostile force" or have died as a direct result of military service.
The design for the medal and its brightly coloured ribbon was a collaborative effort between Captain Carl Gauthier of the Directorate of Honours & Recognition, and Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority. It is proudly manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint in its Ottawa facility.
Specifications
No. 157648
Mintage 5,500
Composition 99.99% pure silver
Finish proof
Weight (g) 31.83
Diameter (mm) 40
Edge serrated
Certificate serialized
Face value 20 dollars
Artist Susanna Blunt (obverse)